Psalms 12:5
Psalms 12:5 in Multiple Translations
“For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”
For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.
Because of the oppression of the poor, because of the sighing of the needy, Now will I arise, saith Jehovah; I will set him in the safety he panteth for.
Because of the crushing of the poor and the weeping of those in need, now will I come to his help, says the Lord; I will give him the salvation which he is desiring.
“Because of the violence the helpless have suffered, and because of the groans of the poor, I will rise up to defend them,” says the Lord. “I will give them the protection they have been longing for.”
Now for the oppression of the needy, and for the sighes of the poore, I will vp, sayeth the Lord, and will set at libertie him, whom the wicked hath snared.
Because of the spoiling of the poor, Because of the groaning of the needy, Now do I arise, saith Jehovah, I set in safety [him who] doth breathe for it.
“Because of the oppression of the weak and because of the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD; “I will set him in safety from those who malign him.”
For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.
Lest at any time my enemy say: I have prevailed against him. They that trouble me will rejoice when I am moved:
But Yahweh replies, “I have seen the violent things that they have done to helpless people; and I have heard those people groaning, so I will arise and rescue the people who are wanting me to help them.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 12:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 12:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
אָֽמְר֨וּ
לִ/לְשֹׁנֵ֣/נוּ
נַ֭גְבִּיר
שְׂפָתֵ֣י/נוּ
אִתָּ֑/נוּ
מִ֖י
אָד֣וֹן
לָֽ/נוּ
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אָֽמְר֨וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לִ/לְשֹׁנֵ֣/נוּ
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
Prep | N-cs | Suff
נַ֭גְבִּיר
gâbar
H1396
to prevail
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cp
שְׂפָתֵ֣י/נוּ
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd | Suff
אִתָּ֑/נוּ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
אָד֣וֹן
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms
לָֽ/נוּ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 12:5
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָֽמְר֨וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לִ/לְשֹׁנֵ֣/נוּ
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
נַ֭גְבִּיר
gâbar
H1396
"to prevail"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to be strong or prevail, often implying a sense of power or might. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Genesis and Isaiah, to describe God's strength and human courage.
Definition: 1) to prevail, have strength, be strong, be powerful, be mighty, be great 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, mighty 1a2) to prevail 1b) (Piel) to make strong, strengthen 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to confirm, give strength 1c2) to confirm (a covenant) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to show oneself mighty 1d2) to act proudly (toward God)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: exceed, confirm, be great, be mighty, prevail, put to more (strength), strengthen, be stronger, be valiant. See also: Genesis 7:18; Job 36:9; Psalms 12:5.
שְׂפָתֵ֣י/נוּ
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
אִתָּ֑/נוּ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
אָד֣וֹן
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
לָֽ/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 12:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 12:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 12:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 12:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 12:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 12:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 12:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 12:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 12:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 12:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 12:5
- Sermons on Psalms 12:5
Context — The Godly Are No More
3May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue.
4They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?”
5“For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”
6The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold. 7You, O LORD, will keep us; You will forever guard us from this generation.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 34:6 | This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles. |
| 2 | Proverbs 14:31 | Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him. |
| 3 | James 5:4 | Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. |
| 4 | Psalms 146:7–8 | He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free, the LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD lifts those who are weighed down, the LORD loves the righteous. |
| 5 | Isaiah 33:10 | “Now I will arise,” says the LORD. “Now I will lift Myself up. Now I will be exalted. |
| 6 | Micah 7:8–9 | Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness. |
| 7 | Exodus 2:23–24 | After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned and cried out under their burden of slavery, and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God. So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. |
| 8 | Job 5:15 | He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth and from the clutches of the powerful. |
| 9 | Psalms 10:12 | Arise, O LORD! Lift up Your hand, O God! Do not forget the helpless. |
| 10 | Job 5:21 | You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and will not fear havoc when it comes. |
Psalms 12:5 Summary
The LORD is saying that He will take action to help those who are being treated unfairly or who are in need. He will be a safe place for them to turn to, and He will make sure they are protected. This is a promise that we can trust, just like the Psalms 23:4 says, 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.' The LORD is a God of justice and love, and He will always take care of those who are hurting, as seen in Exodus 22:22-24 and Deuteronomy 10:18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the LORD to 'arise' on behalf of the oppressed?
When the LORD arises, it means He is taking action to defend and deliver those who are being oppressed, as seen in Psalms 12:5 and also in Psalms 68:1 where it says, 'God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate him shall flee before him.'
How does the LORD bring safety to those who yearn for it?
The LORD brings safety to those who yearn for it by being their refuge and shield, as stated in Psalms 84:11, and by fulfilling His promise to never leave or forsake them, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5.
What is the difference between the 'oppressed' and the 'needy' in this verse?
The 'oppressed' refers to those who are being treated unjustly or cruelly, while the 'needy' refers to those who are lacking in material or spiritual resources, and the LORD is concerned with both, as seen in Psalms 140:12 where it says, 'The LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted and the right of the poor.'
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that the LORD is actively involved in the lives of those who are suffering, and it encourages us to trust in His goodness and justice, as stated in Psalms 37:3-7, and to seek Him in our times of need, as seen in Jeremiah 29:12-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can identify with the 'oppressed' and 'needy' in my community, and how can I be a reflection of God's love to them?
- In what ways do I 'yearn' for the LORD's safety and provision in my life, and how can I express those yearnings to Him in prayer?
- How does the promise of the LORD's deliverance and safety affect my daily life and my trust in Him, especially in times of uncertainty or hardship?
- What are some practical ways I can demonstrate my trust in the LORD's goodness and justice, even when I don't see immediate results, as seen in Habakkuk 2:4 and Romans 1:17?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 12:5
For the oppression of the poor,.... The servants and people of God, who, for the most part, are poor in a temporal sense, and are all of them, and always, so in a spiritual sense, standing
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 12:5
For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. The Lord answers the complaint and prayer of faith.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 12:5
For the oppression of the poor; oppressed by Saul through the instigation and artifices of his fawning courtiers. Now; speedily, sooner than they imagine or expect. From him that puffeth at him, i.e. from him that despiseth him, and hopeth to destroy him with a puff of breath, or a parcel of words. See this phrase . Only there it is construed with beth, and here with lamed; which may make some difference. And the supplement in our translation may seem to be large, and not necessary. And the place is and may be otherwise rendered according to the Hebrew, without any such large supplement, I will set him (to wit, the needy last mentioned; so it is an ellipsis of the pronoun, which is most frequent) in safety: he (to wit, the Lord, mentioned before) shall speak (as this verb signifies, 14:5 19:5,9, i.e. shall speak comfortably, by a synecdoche; or shall speak plainly, as this verb is used, ) to him, i.e. to the needy here mentioned. Or, he, i.e. God, shall speak to him, who is the cause of his oppression, of whom he speaks ,4. Or, shall puff at him, as he used to do at his enemies, .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 12:5
Psalms 12:5 For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set [him] in safety [from him that] puffeth at him.Ver. 5. For the oppression of the poor] Whose very oppression, though they complain not, hath a voice, and God will hear it, for he is gracious, Exodus 22:27. He heard Hagar’ s affliction, though she said nothing, Genesis 16:11; he heareth the young ravens that cry unto him by implication only. For the sighing of the needy] If it be but their breathing, Lamentations 3:56, God can feel it, but the sighs of his people are effectual orators, Exodus 2:23-25; Exodus 3:7; and their tears he puts in a bottle, Psalms 56:9. Now will I arise] sc. In the nick of time, when all seems to be lost. Man’ s extremity is God’ s opportunity. Cum duplicarentur lateres, venit Moses. See Isaiah 33:10, Now, now, now. Saith the Lord] Dixit mihi per prophetiam, Isaiah 22:14.
From him that puffeth at him] That defieth him, and thinks he can blow him away at a blast; but if God arise only his enemies shall be scattered, as thistle down is by a puff of wind, Psalms 68:1. Some render the text, He will puff at him, that is, the oppressed will now dare to speak freely, who before durst not mute (R. David).
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 12:5
(5) For the oppression—i.e., on account of the oppression. Here, as in so many psalms and prophecies, we have an ancient oracle of God introduced. The poet first quotes it, and then in Psalms 12:6 contrasts its truth and genuineness with the false speeches of hypocrites. I will set.—Literally, I will set in safety; he blows at it: which may mean either, “I will ensure him of the safety for which he panteth,” or “I will set him in safety who panteth for it.” This sense is fixed by Habakkuk 2:3 : “it panteth to its end,” i.e., for its accomplishment.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 12:5
Verse 5. For the oppression of the poor] This seems to refer best to the tribulations which the poor Israelites suffered while captives in Babylon. The Lord represents himself as looking on and seeing their affliction; and, hearing their cry, he determines to come forward to their help. Now will I arise] I alone delivered them into the hands of their enemies, because of their transgressions; I alone can and will deliver them from the hands of their enemies; and the manner of their deliverance shall show the power and influence of their God. From him that puffeth at him.] Here is much interpolation to make out a sense. Several of the versions read, "I will give him an open salvation." My work shall be manifest.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 12:5
5, 6. The Psalmist hears God’s answer, and affirms its trustworthiness.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 12:5
For the oppression of the poor - That is, on account of the wrong done to the poor in the manner specified above - by the abuse of the power of speech.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 12:5
5. For the oppression of the poor— “For” is here causal, because of the oppression, and marks the point where the divine forbearance ends and the work of judgment begins.
Sermons on Psalms 12:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Spiritual Depression by Carter Conlon | This sermon addresses spiritual depression among the godly, emphasizing the challenges faced in a society marked by godlessness and the need to trust in God's promises. It draws pa |
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Psalm 12 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the comfort found in the company of holy men, the power of prayer to bring God's presence and joy, the insincerity of ungodly conversation, the blinding po |
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The Lord, the Saints' Avenger by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes that God is the Avenger of the oppressed, standing firmly with the saints against injustice and oppression. He illustrates this with a missionary story |
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Christmas Talk by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity of receiving Jesus into one's heart. He compares it to the busy Christmas season, where people are focused on material things |
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Easter Conference 1979-01 Testimony and Message by Aldy Fam Fanous | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of discovering the power and truth of God's word. Despite not having access to commentaries, he spent hours each day reading |
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Language of the Poor by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound simplicity and necessity of prayer, asserting that it is the language of the poor and a confession of spiritual poverty. He argues that th |
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Poverty of Spirit #2 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of being 'poor in spirit' as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. He reflects on the importance of humility and recognizing our |